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Shipping News

FedEx eyes Johor, S'pore cargo growth
JOHOR's future cargo growth and competition with Singapore can be likened to that of China's booming Pearl River Delta and neighbouring Hong Kong, according to the regional head of the world's largest air express group, FedEx Express.
China could overtake Japan in S-EA trade
CHINA's growth has changed the trading patterns of Southeast Asia and the country could eventually overtake Japan as the region's second biggest trading partner, according to FedEx Express' Asia Pacific president.
Port Klang to exceed full-year throughput forecast
CONTAINER throughput at Malaysia's busiest port will exceed full year projections of 5.6 million TEUs, according to Port Klang Authority general manager Paduka Phang.
DMS signs A$553m Aussie patrol boat deal
DEFENCE Maritime Services has signed a A$553 million contract to supply patrol boats to protect the Australian coast, Defence Minister Robert Hill said.
EU okays Germany's shipping loans scheme
COMPETITION regulators at the European Commission approved a German government scheme to support loans for shipyards that pegs cost to risk, the commission announced.
Gas is a solid business in energy-poor Spain
NEARLY 400 ships reach Spanish shores each year with an increasingly common cargo in this energy-poor country: natural gas.

Air and Land Transport

Boeing clears 7E7 jet for takeoff
THE Boeing Company has approved the next phase of the programme to launch its 7E7 'Dreamliner' jet, a plane that the aircraft maker is staking its commercial future on.
Washington state lands Boeing 7E7 assembly plant
Key facts about 7E7
An aircraft of possible interest: SIA
UK airport plans spark anger despite Heathrow delay

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Shipping News

FedEx eyes Johor, S'pore cargo growth
JOHOR's future cargo growth and competition with Singapore can be likened to that of China's booming Pearl River Delta and neighbouring Hong Kong, according to the regional head of the world's largest air express group, FedEx Express.
China could overtake Japan in S-EA trade
CHINA's growth has changed the trading patterns of Southeast Asia and the country could eventually overtake Japan as the region's second biggest trading partner, according to FedEx Express' Asia Pacific president.
Port Klang to exceed full-year throughput forecast
CONTAINER throughput at Malaysia's busiest port will exceed full year projections of 5.6 million TEUs, according to Port Klang Authority general manager Paduka Phang.
DMS signs A$553m Aussie patrol boat deal
DEFENCE Maritime Services has signed a A$553 million contract to supply patrol boats to protect the Australian coast, Defence Minister Robert Hill said.
EU okays Germany's shipping loans scheme
COMPETITION regulators at the European Commission approved a German government scheme to support loans for shipyards that pegs cost to risk, the commission announced.
Gas is a solid business in energy-poor Spain
NEARLY 400 ships reach Spanish shores each year with an increasingly common cargo in this energy-poor country: natural gas.

Air and Land Transport

Boeing clears 7E7 jet for takeoff
THE Boeing Company has approved the next phase of the programme to launch its 7E7 'Dreamliner' jet, a plane that the aircraft maker is staking its commercial future on.
Washington state lands Boeing 7E7 assembly plant
Key facts about 7E7
An aircraft of possible interest: SIA
UK airport plans spark anger despite Heathrow delay

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HK throughput eases up slowly as transshipments soar Call for foreign co-operation to boost logistics development in China GAC and Kudrat Maritime enter into alliance Famous Pacific elevates Everich for Vietnam push Schenker, Siemens team up to pool spare parts logistics Emirates SkyCargo starts service to Dalian U-Freight upgrades garment industry airfreight services New Boeing aircraft to hit the market

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Aggressive marketing is needed to get funds, says Shipping Secy US-Asia reefer rates to go up again China Navigation to buy indotrans service Launch of new RTW service India, Iran sign deal for farm cooperation China tops in iron ore imports from India Handicraft exports poised to total Rs 12,000 cr. APCO to enter export market Visakha Container terminal achieves record of 41.59 moves per hour Import containers landing at JNP can get Customs clearance at CFS Kalamboli Paradip Port handles 1.59 m. tonnes cargo during November Chennai Customs holds e-auction of goods SW Railway records 11 pc rise in freight earnings W. Bengal Transport Minister to inaugurate Greenways' CFS at Haldia today Customs points at Bengal border set to get facelift TAMP likely to issue new guidelines in 2 months RBI eases insurance claims norms of RFC (domestic) accounts Progress of GQ project prompts govt to extend highways to 24,000 km CETMA demands cut in customs duty on inputs Textile exporters reorganising, consolidating for post-quota regime Govt extends Focus LAC programme till March 2005 - EPCs proposals submission by Dec. 31 sought Exim Bank raises $ 75-million loan Nasscom sees huge potential in logistics BPO AIAI, Russian Centre business meet today

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DECEMBER 17, 2003
Steady East Coast markets await replenishment Huge demand seen in competitive Suez Big fall in US crude stocks 4th week running Government data have showed crude stocks dropping by around 5 million barrels every week for the past four weeks, bringing the total stock draw in the past month to 21.2 million barrels. Data also showed the first really big draw in heating oil as they reflected rising demand in the wake of the first big snowstorm to hit the US East Coast. New Saudi posted prices SMIT Salvage to remove wreck of 'Tasman Spirit' in Pakistan RINA and Charles Taylor team up for risk management Brazilian market update Korean avails hold up despite exports as demand drops off The new year looks like it could be quite an interesting one for South Korea. Piraeus dates for the diary Turkish supplier expands bunker supply to Izmit Bay Petrol Ofisi has announced that the company has started direct bunker deliveries from its Derince Terminal located in Izmit Bay on the Black Sea coast of Turkey, marking a significant expansion of the company's supply capacity in the Turkish bunker market. FAMM Antilles office move Rotterdam congestion stretches to year-end

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DECEMBER 17, 2003
Alaska Airlines names Yerbic Managing Director of Cargo Hamburg Süd organisation (Germany) takes over agencies for Ellerman services Frankfurt caps bullish week for European air cargo Clipper Exxpress sells LTL business to Hercules Exel provides logistics services for Marks & Spencer EU gives the go-ahead to British Airways and Iberia Invoicing Update to my.roadway.com

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DECEMBER 17, 2003
BP assess new Baltic oil terminal HUAL adds another two units to orderbook Broström focus on oil product markets - sells chemical carriers

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DECEMBER 17, 2003
EC go-ahead for German finance guarantees Esso contract for Farstad Deep water at Freeport Andrew Moore Associates new HK Lloyd's Agents EU officer retraining project "a success" New US Lines picks Greybox Box growth boosts Fos 2XL project NoE P&I: "Transparency no guarantee of performance"

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DECEMBER 17, 2003
Boeing selects Everett as 7E7 assembly location Horizon Lines bringing onboard 300 high-cube refrigeration units UPS expects 20 million packages on 'Peak Day' this Thursday Crime scene imaging firm wins this year's Marco Polo honor International Trade Commission stands firm with dumping decision

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Queen Mary 2 ready for delivery to Cunard CHANTIERS de l'Atlantique was putting the finishing touches yesterday to the Queen Mary 2, ready for the delivery of the world's "largest, longest, tallest, widest and grandest ocean liner" to owner Cunard on Monday. Smit gets green light to remove Tasman Spirit SMIT Salvage has received the green light to start work on the removal of the wreck of the Polembros-controlled tanker Tasman Spirit after a deal was reached between the American Club and Karachi Port Trust. LNG high on ChevronTexaco's $8.5bn plans US OIL major ChevronTexaco has unveiled an $8.5bn spending programme for next year, including substantial investments in liquefied natural gas facilities, writes Tony Gray. Owners of two Royal Olympic ships seek Chapter 11 protection Two shipowning companies housing Royal Olympic Cruise Lines' prestigious high-speed cruiseships have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection from creditors.

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DECEMBER 17, 2003
Strike call after Izar talks fail SPANISH shipyard unions are to launch fresh strike action next month after Izar management blocked efforts to break a nine-month deadlock over a labour agreement today MacAndrews offers 45ft pallet-wides SHORT-SEA operator MacAndrews will introduce 45ft pallet-wide containers on its Anglo-Irish service to France and Spain to compete with trucks Have your say! DOES ship still communicate with shore or has the human element in shipping been swamped by financial figures and long term goals? Have your say! Stellamare victims trapped in hold ACCIDENT investigators now believe the three missing crew members of the heavy lift vessel Stellamare were trapped in the vessel's hold New RTW service in February THREE shipping lines are linking to launch a new westbound round-the-world operation in February embracing trans-Atlantic, trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe trades Contship sells cranes to Durban CONTSHIP Italia Group has agreed to sell three latest generation shore-side container gantry cranes to SA Port Operations (SAPO) for the port of Durban ABP anticipates healthy growth Nigeria reassures its port workers Smit hopes to avoid Pappas fiasco St Petersburg metal shipments slump Storm ferry passengers reach shore PONL drops Aus ports from service Tasman Spirit: deal hammered out Ex-AESA boss Saez lands Trasmed job France makes polluter pay Australians Customs take up arms

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DECEMBER 17, 2003
Charges hit FedEx earnings Integrator's profits plunge on restructuring costs at principal operating unit. GAO wants more Customs box checks Report says CBP has taken steps to identify risky shipments, but more needs to be done. High fees hurting Hong Kong port Government wants carriers to cut terminal handling charges as Chinese ports grab traffic. Oldendorff exits U.S. liner trades French seamen plan worldwide strike Nafta's helped but Mexico should do more, says World Bank U.S. strikes C. Amer. free trade deal S.C. Ports Authority, terminal operator settle dispute Niger, Cote d'Ivoire approved for textile trade agreement Stolt-Nielsen continues talks with lenders Norfolk Southern to take charge on telcom Navy Secretary sees explosives 'sniffer' test China weighs free port strategy

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DECEMBER 17, 2003
CMA CGM unveils plans for Pacific push CMA CGM has revealed plans for several new services and President Jacques Saade confirmed to ci-online that the French carrier has ordered four 4,600TEU vessels from Hyundai for delivery in 2007. Luanda port development awarded to APMT AP Moller Terminals (APMT) announced that it has successfully bid for the 20-year concession to operate the container terminal in Luanda, Angola. Link charter and freight rates says broker New China freeport policy drafted MOL and TOL upgrade intra-Asia and Australasia services Strategic intermodal partnership announced in Canada Bahamian hub completes dredge ABPorts growth results prove urgency for development Bunker charge dropped as 'Saddam Hussein effect' hits oil price Hamburg Sud takes on Ellerman brand agency services in Germany

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DECEMBER 17, 2003
ExxonMobil under spotlight in Europe US oil major reportedly takes 21-year old single skin on subjects for Med crude cargo. US outfit buys into Exmar LNG regas ships Belgian owner says it will use proceeds to pay down debts. Sun shines on TEN Tsakos vehicle scores long-term fixture with US oil company. SPT ups the stakes in US Gulf Skaugen-Teekay venture bareboats in four aframax newbuildings for lightering. Royal Olympic Cruise subsidiaries file for Chapter 11 Two of company's eight ship-owning units seek bankruptcy refuge after banks call loans. Exmar to detail future for LNG ships Belgian owner expected to announce employment deal on regas vessels. Brostrom cuts chemical carrier fleet Swedish owner sells three smaller ships as it concentrates on products tankers. Smit to start work on Tasman Spirit But Polembros crew release and compensation claims remain unsolved. Korea wants to cut red tape Simplified ship registration takes its cue from Norwegian system. Hual ups car carrier order Leif Hoegh unit boosts newbuilding tally to seven ships. Fellow goes under the hammer Scandlines-chartered ro-ro to be sold off by Latvian port of Ventspils. Germanischer Lloyd's Hans Payer retires Successor Herman Klein (right) to take over role at end of month. Gard gets A rating New hull venture regarded as almost as financially strong as P&I club. MOL doubles up on Thailand route Japanese containership giant to put another three 1,000-teu ships in service to Bangkok from January. Sonatrach homes in on LPG newbuildings Algerian owner in talks with three shipyards on up to two vessels. Investor bids for TFDS Norwegian ferry owner is target of offer for at least a third of its shares. Rating upgrade for TT Club Container shipping insurance mutual gets an extra plus for its AM Best rating. WTSA to lift reefer rates US to Asia container conference blames "high direct costs" of refrigerated cargoes for increases. ABP predicts further growth UK and US ports giant expects bigger operating result this year as volumes grow. Crewman in lucky escape Finn falls overboard from Navion Fennia but swift reaction by crew results in quick recovery.

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DECEMBER 17, 2003
Three carriers enter Atlantic trade with RTW service TMM leaves Ampac vessel-sharing group CP Ships adds Lykes to Europe/Indian subcontinent service Air China launches specialty cargo division EC allows subsidies for rail container moves in Britain Mexican truck case reaches U.S. Supreme Court Van Tine starts work as acting DOT deputy secretary Inland waterways interest question Academy of Sciences findings Canada restructures customs, homeland security agencies ITC agrees Canadian softwood lumber imports injure U.S. producers WTO appellate sides with U.S. antidumping duties for Japanese steel Sun Microsystems reaches settlement on export violations Sickler takes helm at Arzoon Port of Freeport completes dredging to 16 meters U.S. West Coast ports to require electronic ID for trucks Baltimore port, operators receive $5.5 million in security grants Fos sees 10% rise in box volume